Garden Safety and Your Dog

You may be itching to get out and dig in the garden and your
dog probably is too! Consider taking some precautions before you start
planning that beautiful spring landscaping project. There are some
things that you shouldn’t use in your garden if you have a dog around.
You can contact your vet for a complete list, but here are some of the
most common gardening dangers for your dog.

Plants

Many plants (even dead or dried) are highly toxic to dogs, yet
seemingly irresistible at the same time. Do your pet a favour and ask
your vet for a list of plants to avoid, both cultivated and wild.

Also, it might be a good idea to plant when Fido isn’t around.
Besides the fact that newly dug earth smells heavenly to dogs, if he
sees you digging and playing with plants, he might think it’s okay for
him to do so too.

Pesticides

Many pesticide products can have adverse effects on animals. If
you’re trying to keep your plants safe from bugs, stick with natural,
non-toxic options.

Snail and Slug Bait

If you leave one item out of your garden this year, this should be
it. Snail and slug bait is extremely toxic to dogs, causing anything
from blindness and vomiting to death. Try a natural, non-toxic method of
slug control, like sprinkling your used morning coffee grounds around
your plants. The caffeine in the coffee is an effective slug and snail
repellent that won’t harm pets or people.

Fertilizers

Most commercial fertilizers contain varying amounts of nitrogen,
phosphorous, iron, and potassium. Consumed in small quantities, these
could cause an upset stomach. If your dog eats a large amount of
fertilizer, it could result in severe poisoning and even death.

If any lawns you encounter have been treated with fertilizers,
herbicides, or insecticides. Don’t let your dog walk on them until these
often toxic treatments have dried completely.

Instead of fertilizer, use compost or manure to fertilize your
garden. It might not smell as nice, at least for a little while, but
your pet will be safe, and that’s more important.